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enCatching Up with CJ Reavis: OSU Offerhttp://www.elevenwarriors.com/2013/03/20/20526/recruiting-catching-up-with-cj-reavis-osu-offer
<p>Ohio State landed a tremendous secondary haul with their class of 2013. All-Americans like Eli Apple, Cam Burrows, Vonn Bell, and Gareon Conley joined the fold, while standouts Jayme Thompson, Darron Lee, and Chris Worley could all be big-time players at the college level as well.</p>
<div class="imageright">
<img alt="Reavis enjoyed FNL and meeting Meyer" src="http://www.elevenwarriors.com/sites/default/files/c/2013/03/Reavis-and-Meyer.jpg" style="width: 275px; height: 274px;" /><span class="caption">CJ Reavis visited for FNL and earned an offer last week</span></div>
<p>Even with such a large and talented group coming in this fall, the OSU staff is out again in 2014 looking for playmakers at both cornerback and safety. Both CJ Barnett and Christian Bryant graduate at the safety position, while cornerback Bradley Roby is likely to leave early for the NFL.</p>
<p>One of the latest high school prospects to receive an offer to fill the upcoming voids in the defensive backfield is Chester (VA) Thomas Dale S <a href="http://247sports.com/Player/CJ-Reavis-19653">CJ Reavis</a>, who received an offer from Ohio State early last week.</p>
<p>The scholarship from the Buckeyes was the four-star prospect's 15th offer. He is now up to 17 after Nebraska and Connecticut followed Ohio State, and those three schools join Virginia Tech, Virginia, North Carolina, Tennessee, Vanderbilt, Wisconsin, West Virginia, NC State, Maryland, and others on his list.</p>
<p>At 6-1/202, Reavis has great size for just a current high school junior and fits the mold of what the Buckeyes are looking for in a big, physical safety. Just as OSU would like to reel him in, Reavis is also fond of the Buckeyes, noting specifically how much he enjoyed participating in the inaugural Friday Night Lights camp in Ohio Stadium last July.</p>
<p>We caught up with the nation's 30th-ranked athlete to hear what he thinks of his offer from the Buckeyes, where things stand in his recruitment, what visits he may have planned, and more.</p>
<p>Join us after the jump to hear about Ohio State's newest safety offer, CJ Reavis.</p>
<!--break--><p><strong>How did your junior season go?</strong></p>
<p>My team was 4-6, so that was not so great, but we're going to do a lot better next year. On the other hand, I played pretty well this season, so I was happy with that.</p>
<p><strong>Recruiting has really picked up for you lately. How many offers are you at now? Are there any schools you think could be close to offering?</strong></p>
<p>I now have 17 offers. Clemson is a school I think might offer soon. I have also been talking to Notre Dame and Florida State lately.</p>
<p><strong>You recently were offered by Ohio State. How did you find out about the offer?</strong></p>
<p>Coach Withers first messaged me on Twitter and was telling me how they had to replace three safeties on their roster next year. We talked further and he told me they were offering.</p>
<p><strong>What did you think of getting that offer?</strong></p>
<p>It is a big offer. It's a big-time program. It's a blessing.</p>
<p><strong>You visited Ohio State for the Friday Night Lights camp last July. What did you think of that experience?</strong></p>
<p>I liked it a lot. It was a big turnout and I can only imagine what it's like there for a game. I really liked the campus and feel at OSU.</p>
<p><strong>Are you planning on making a return trip to Columbus?</strong></p>
<p>Yeah, definitely. I am going to get out there either this spring or summer.</p>
<p><strong>Have you spoken to any other Ohio State coaches?</strong></p>
<p>Yes, I speak to Zach Smith, who is my area recruiter. I also met some of the coaches, including Coach Meyer, at Friday Night Lights.</p>
<p><strong>Have you taken any other visits? Do you have any trips planned?</strong></p>
<p>I have already been to North Carolina, Wake Forest, Clemson, Tennessee, Virginia Tech, and Virginia. I am getting back down to Tennessee on March 23.</p>
<p><strong>Do you have any favorites or schools standing out right now?</strong></p>
<p>I don't have any favorites right now.</p>
<p><strong>When would you like to make a college decision?</strong></p>
<p>Right now I'm targeting end of November to make a decision.</p>
<p><strong>What are deciding factors for you when looking at schools?</strong></p>
<p>I want to get a feeling of the school just being a place I want to be at. I want a homey environment and for the university to be in a nice city or town. I'm looking for great academics and most importantly, a chance to win.</p>
<p><strong>What are some things you do well? What are things you are working on?</strong></p>
<p>I just make plays out on the field and I tackle very well. I want to continue to get faster, as I am a bigger, physical defensive back, so having as much speed as I can will be very valuable.</p>
<p><strong>HIGHLIGHTS:</strong></p>
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Wednesday, March 20, 2013 - 13:30Alex20526Catching Up with Thomas Holley: OSU Offerhttp://www.elevenwarriors.com/2013/03/18/20508/catching-up-with-thomas-holley-osu-offer
<p>Under Urban Meyer, Ohio State has made the defensive line a high priority. Meyer knows games are won and lost in the trenches, and following the model of his past championship teams, is looking to help the Silver Bullets by building talented defensive line groups for years to come.</p>
<div class="imageright">
<img alt="Where Brooklyn At!" src="http://www.elevenwarriors.com/sites/default/files/c/2013/03/Thomas-Holley.jpg" style="width: 250px; height: 435px;" /><span class="caption">Thomas Holley's latest is offer is from the Buckeyes</span></div>
<p>In 2012, Meyer brought in Noah Spence, Adolphus Washington, and Tommy Schutt, who all contributed this past season. Just a few months ago, Joey Bosa, Tracy Sprinkle, Billy Price, Donovan Munger, Michael Hill, and Tyquan Lewis signed on with the 2013 class to bolster the unit.</p>
<p>Even with so much talent, the staff has continued to pursue elite defensive linemen in their 2014 efforts, with the latest offer going out to Brooklyn (NY) Abraham Lincoln defensive tackle <a href="http://247sports.com/Player/Thomas-Holley-29296">Thomas Holley</a>.</p>
<p>Holley, 6-4/290, started his high school career out at Christ the King in Queens, looking to play basketball for the city power. He had always wanted to play football, but had hoops as a focus throughout his life and his mother was scared for him to hit the gridiron.</p>
<p>This past fall he decided he wanted to give football a try and finally convinced mom to let him play. He transferred to Lincoln and missed a couple of games due to needing 15 practice hours before playing in a game, but eventually played in eight contests for the Railsplitters.</p>
<p>It’s safe to say his first season in pads was a success. Not only did his team make it to the semifinals of the state playoffs, but the powerful defensive tackle now finds himself with nearly 20 offers, including Ohio State, Alabama, Notre Dame, Clemson, Ole Miss, Penn State, Nebraska, Miami (FL), and others.</p>
<p>The Buckeyes were the latest to extend a scholarship to the rising junior, a development that came out of left field.</p>
<!--break--><p>“Ohio State first contacted my coach a few weeks ago,” said Holley. “Coach Warinner then got in touch with me on Facebook and told me to give him a call. I called him that night and he told me they were offering me a scholarship.</p>
<p>“Coach Warinner said he saw my film and thinks I can do some really good things. He told me to keep in contact with him and to call them regularly to talk to some other coaches as well. I am definitely going to do that.”</p>
<p>While football and recruiting in general are relatively new to Holley, he has already taken visits to Rutgers and Penn State. He is planning more visits this spring and summer around his schedule and mentions Ohio State, Alabama, Notre Dame, Florida, Florida State, Miami, and Ole Miss as programs he has on his radar.</p>
<p>The Buckeyes may be a new school on his list, but the four-star prospect certainly likes what he already knows about Urban Meyer’s program.</p>
<p>That being said, a decision is not likely to come soon, as Holley wants to get all the information he can on the programs that have offered, take his visits, and spend some time weighing his options.</p>
<p>“Ohio State is definitely a great football program and they have good academics, too. It’s another big school, along with places like Alabama and Notre Dame, that I now have on my list and them offering makes my decision even harder.”</p>
<p>He is targeting the middle of his season as the time he would like to make his choice, so Meyer and other coaches vying for his services have a few months to make their pitch.</p>
<p>As for the summer, in addition to visits, Holley says he just wants to work on learning the game more, as well as improving his technique, while getting stronger and faster.</p>
<p>Holley has already shown so much with just one year of football under his belt. The sky is the limit for this physical specimen, and as he continues to learn the game, the better he will get.</p>
<p>It’s too early to tell where OSU stands in this recruitment, but the first step would be making sure to get him on campus this spring or summer.</p>
<p><strong>HIGHLIGHTS:</strong></p>
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Monday, March 18, 2013 - 14:00Alex20508Ohio State Feeling Peachy in 2014http://www.elevenwarriors.com/2013/03/20430/ohio-state-feeling-peachy-in-2014
<p>During the Jim Tressel era, life on the recruiting trail was good for the Buckeyes. OSU continuously brought in top-rated classes and relocated the best talent across the Midwest to Columbus.</p>
<div class="imageright">
<img alt="Buckeye Nation wants McMillan" src="http://www.elevenwarriors.com/sites/default/files/c/2013/03/McMillan-FNL.jpg" style="width: 265px; height: 275px" /><span class="caption">Raekwon McMillan is one of the top players in Georgia</span></div>
<p>While he didn't recruit nationally the way Urban Meyer does, Tressel did bring in some big-time players from outside of the region as well. That included SEC country, where he consistently signed highly ranked recruits from Florida, and also had success of late in the state of Georgia.</p>
<p>By bringing in four-star prospects DB Brandon Mitchell, QB Antonio Henton, DE Keith Wells and seeing DB Anderson Russell, DL Cameron Heyward and CB Bradley Roby have successful careers at OSU, the Buckeyes were able to create serious momentum in the Peach State.</p>
<p>That momentum continued when Meyer came to town, bringing a rock star persona and stellar reputation in the region thanks to his national title days at Florida.</p>
<p>The Buckeyes' coach failed to bring in any Georgia talent in 2012, but in his first full year on the trail, he landed two of the state's best prospects in 2013, five-star S Vonn Bell and four-star LB Trey Johnson.</p>
<p>The plan to go after the best prospects in Georgia has definitely not slowed down in 2014, as the Bucks have already extended offers to nearly 20 Peach State natives.</p>
<p>Logic states that if enough offers go out that some will have to be accepted, but in Ohio State's case logic may not be needed because many of these top players are buying what Meyer is selling and the Bucks have a chance to do serious damage in a state that is so plentiful in talent for 2014.</p>
<!--break--><p>By now everyone should be familiar with Gainesville QB <a href="http://247sports.com/Player/Deshaun-Watson-13254?Institution=9663">Deshaun Watson</a>. Watson is currently committed to Clemson, but has mentioned Ohio State as the top school he'd look at if he wavers from his pledge to the Tigers. Keep an eye on what the OSU staff does in terms of offering another quarterback, as that will tell you how they feel about their chances with what could be the nation's top passer.</p>
<p>Two elite running backs the staff is after include Cedartown's <a href="http://247sports.com/Player/Nick-Chubb-19986">Nick Chubb</a> and Norcross's <a href="http://247sports.com/Player/Myles-Autry-19208">Myles Autry</a>.</p>
<p>Chubb will be a tough pull from the South, after rushing for over 2,600 yards with 38 touchdowns last season. He is visiting campus this spring though, and it may be Meyer's lone chance to sell him before he cuts his list, so the trip is a big one.</p>
<p>Autry on the other hand, grew up an Ohio State fan, and is supposed to come to Columbus for a visit in early April. I think Autry will be recruited as an athlete, and the Bucks have a great shot to land him if they want him.</p>
<p>Tyrone Sandy Creek WR <a href="http://247sports.com/Player/Demarre-Kitt-18059">Demarre Kitt</a> recently had an excellent visit to Ohio State and plans to come back again this spring or summer. Following the trip, the 6-1/185 receiver put OSU in his top two along with Clemson, so the Bucks are in a good spot for the former Georgia commit.</p>
<p><a href="http://247sports.com/Player/Orlando-Brown-10534">Orlando Brown Jr.</a> of Suwanee Peachtree Ridge is another prospect high on Ohio State and his mom, from Cleveland, grew up a fan of the Buckeyes. Brown recently named seven schools as his favorites and in addition to OSU other schools included were Alabama, Arkansas, Iowa, Michigan, Oklahoma, and South Carolina.</p>
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<img alt="I-O!" src="http://www.elevenwarriors.com/sites/default/files/c/2013/03/Autry-and-Carter.jpg" style="width: 250px; height: 244px" /><span class="caption">Myles Autry and Lorenzo Carter like Ohio State</span></div>
<p>On the other side of the line, the Bucks are looking at some talented defensive line prospects from Georgia. Those offered include DT <a href="http://247sports.com/Player/Elisha-Shaw-22714">Elisha Shaw</a>, DT <a href="http://247sports.com/Player/Chris-Williams-25085">Chris Williams</a>, DE <a href="http://247sports.com/Player/Lorenzo-Carter-22968">Lorenzo Carter</a>, DE <a href="http://247sports.com/Player/Dante-Sawyer-14760">Dante Sawyer</a>, and DE <a href="http://247sports.com/Player/Andrew-Williams-15191">Andrew Williams</a>.</p>
<p>Looking at the tackles, Shaw is rated as the nation's third-best at the position, but it appears Alabama and Georgia may be tough to beat at this point. Williams is a teammate of Kitt's at Sandy Creek, but he too will be tough to grab out of the South, although his OSU recruitment has really just started to get going.</p>
<p>At defensive end, Sawyer appeared to be the top candidate to end up in scarlet and gray, but momentum hasn't been as positive in the last month and a visit will be needed to see how real that interest is. Carter, a teammate of Autry's at Norcross, has also spoken highly of the Buckeyes, but he is the nation's third-ranked player and competition is stiff. Williams hasn't really said one way or another which way he is leaning at this time.</p>
<p>Another prospect OSU fans are familiar with is Hinesville Liberty County LB <a href="http://247sports.com/Player/Raekwon-McMillan-17772">Raekwon McMillan</a>. Ever since visiting last summer, McMillan has been high on Ohio State and has had the program as his leader over Clemson, Alabama, Georgia, Florida, and USC for a while now. Another visit, with Autry, is planned for early April, so expect the Bucks to solidify their place on the All-American's list during that stay.</p>
<p>Outside of McMillan, the Buckeyes also have an offer out to Norcross LB <a href="http://247sports.com/Player/Kevin-Mouhon-27440">Kevin Mouhon</a>. Mouhon is high on Tennessee and Auburn right now, but if the staff can get Autry and/or Carter on board, they will certainly do their best to get in the four-star prospect's ear.</p>
<p>Finally, defensive back targets on Meyer's radar are CB <a href="http://247sports.com/Player/Kalvaraz-Bessent-23746">Kalvarez Bessent</a>, S <a href="http://247sports.com/Player/Chris-Williams-27627">Chris Williams</a>, S <a href="http://247sports.com/Player/DJ-Smith-15486">DJ Smith</a>, S <a href="http://247sports.com/Player/Cortez-McDowell-25457">Cortez McDowell</a>, and S <a href="http://247sports.com/Player/Nick-Glass-17485">Nick Glass</a>. Right now I would say the two most likely prospects to end up in Columbus on that list are McDowell and Glass.</p>
<p>Ohio State was one of the early schools to recognize McDowell and finally offered the Locust Grove product a scholarship back on February 6. A visit will definitely be needed before you can put this one in serious consideration, but he has spoken very highly of the Buckeyes' staff, including Everett Withers and Urban Meyer. McDowell had 60 tackles, 10 pass break-ups, 2 interceptions, and a sack in his junior season.</p>
<p>Glass has been a Georgia commit for quite some time now, but has expressed repeatedly that he is open to looking at other schools. One of the schools he always mentions is Ohio State and he has told me that he has spoken to other Georgia prospects about heading to Columbus to play together. Glass just transferred from St. Pius X to Peachtree Ridge, the school Bradley Roby attended and that Orlando Brown goes to, so that is good news for the Bucks. He is being recruited by Everett Withers and plans to get to campus sometime this spring or summer when his schedule permits.</p>
<p>As you can see, the Buckeyes are certainly being aggressive when it comes to recruiting Georgia's best. With Urban Meyer's track record and some Peach State natives on the roster to help recruit, it's hard to imagine the program not being successful in landing some of these elite playmakers.</p>
Wednesday, March 13, 2013 - 13:30Alex20430Diamonds in the Rough and Big-Time Busts: A Look at Ohio State Recruiting Classes from 2004-2010http://www.elevenwarriors.com/2013/03/20235/looking-at-ohio-state-recruiting-steals-and-busts
<p>Oftentimes in recruiting conversations, especially in Ohio State circles, fans like to bring up the prospects that were rated lower coming out of high school that went on to flourish at the college level.</p>
<div class="imagetopright">
<img alt="From three-stars to three mill" src="http://www.elevenwarriors.com/sites/default/files/c/2013/03/Jenkins-Laurinaitis.jpg" style="width: 250px; height: 344px" /><span class="caption">Malcolm Jenkins and James Laurinaitis were gems</span></div>
<p>Buckeye fans often like to throw out the names of AJ Hawk, Troy Smith, Malcolm Jenkins, James Laurinaitis, and others. Year in and year out they look at their new recruiting hauls to see who could be the next three-star prospect turned stud in the group.</p>
<p>But what many of these fans fail to realize is that for every two and three-star prospect their team brings in and turns into NFL talent, there are plenty of four and five-star recruits that end up never reaching their potential for one reason or another.</p>
<p>This thought got me curious and led me to do some digging. After some brief research, I found that in each recruiting class there's a pretty solid balance overall of players that were rated high and reached their potential, players that were rated high and ended up being busts, players that were rated low and went above and beyond expectations, and players that were rated low and were career backups.</p>
<p>Case in point, each year this balance is going to be pretty consistent across the country, as well as at Ohio State and it's certainly interesting to take a look at the last six or seven years that you can evaluate at this time to see it for yourself.</p>
<p>In this segment we'll do the work for you, and take a look at those Ohio State recruiting classes from 2004-2010 to see which prospects turned out to be "diamonds in the rough" and which turned out to be "big-time busts".</p>
<!--break--><h3>
Diamonds In The Rough</h3>
<p>For the "diamonds in the rough" criteria I looked mainly at three-star recruits and below, according to the Scout.com rankings. When you get a three-star recruit, on paper you are basically saying there is a 50/50 chance he will end up being an impact player, so those that do go on to live that fate are nice finds.</p>
<div class="imageleft">
<img alt="The Henne Slayer" src="http://www.elevenwarriors.com/sites/default/files/c/2013/03/Vernon-Gholston.jpg" style="width: 250px; height: 384px" /><span class="caption">Vernon Gholston went from three-star to All-Big Ten</span></div>
<p>In 2004 these players included P <strong>AJ Trapasso</strong>, RB <strong>Antonio Pittman</strong>, DE <strong>Vernon Gholston</strong>, DT <strong>Nader Abdallah</strong>, FB <strong>Dionte Johnson</strong>, and LB <strong>Curtis Terry</strong>.</p>
<p>Of note here would be Pittman, who went on to star as a two-year starter at OSU before leaving early for the NFL, as well as Gholston who was the 39th-ranked defensive end in the country and ended up as a top 10 pick in the NFL Draft.</p>
<p>Nader Abdallah, as the 44th-ranked defensive tackle, and Curtis Terry, as a two-star linebacker, also contributed above expectations in Columbus.</p>
<p>The 2005 list features CB <strong>Malcolm Jenkins</strong>, LB <strong>James Laurinaitis</strong>, S <strong>Anderson Russell</strong>, LB <strong>Austin Spitler</strong>, CB <strong>Donald Washington</strong>, and WR <strong>Brian Robiskie</strong>. All of these players were starters during their career at Ohio State and while Jenkins and Laurinaitis stand out, the other players mentioned certainly exceeded expectations based on their rankings.</p>
<p>Jenkins was the 28th-ranked safety, Laurinaitis the 45th-ranked linebacker, Russell the 84th-ranked running back, Spitler the 87th-ranked linebacker, Washington the 90th-rated wide receiver, and Robiskie didn't even get nationally ranked at wide receiver. All of these players went on to the NFL, so that says a little something about talent evaluation in this class.</p>
<p>In 2006 the diamonds were DT <strong>Dexter Larimore</strong>, OL <strong>Bryant Browning</strong>, and CB <strong>Chimdi Chekwa</strong>. Larimore and Browning were three-star prospects and Chekwa was a two-star prospect, but all three were impact players and starters for at least one year during their tenure in Columbus.</p>
<p>2007 brought in no diamonds (but six busts mentioned below, unfortunately). Definitely not a proud year for Jim Tressel on the recruiting trail, but there were many four and five-star players who did pan out, such as <strong>Cam Heyward</strong>, <strong>Brian Rolle</strong>, <strong>Jermale Hines</strong>, <strong>Boom Herron</strong>, and <strong>Dane Sanzenbacher</strong>.</p>
<p>2008 was like 2007 in that many prospects performed as they were predicted to, but gems included P <strong>Ben Buchanan</strong>, CB <strong>Travis Howard</strong>, and S <strong>Orhian Johnson</strong>. All three were three-star prospects that ended up being starters during their time in Columbus and played integral roles in last year's undefeated season.</p>
<p>The 2009 players included RB <strong>Jordan Hall</strong>, FB/LB <strong>Zach Boren</strong>, and QB <strong>Kenny Guiton</strong>.</p>
<p>Hall is <a href="http://www.elevenwarriors.com/2013/03/20202/ohio-state-football-return-of-jordan-hall">returning for his fifth season this year after being granted a medical hardship</a>. Many thought he was brought to Columbus because of his relationship with Terrelle Pryor, but it turned out Hall has been a big-time playmaker for the Buckeyes, even earning captain honors last season.</p>
<p>You all know the story on Boren by now and it is certainly a good one. "Justin's younger brother" turned into much more than that, not only emerging as one of the nation's top fullbacks, but also becoming the Buckeyes' starting middle linebacker halfway through last season.</p>
<p>Guiton was brought in as a last-minute, emergency option at quarterback in the 2009 class, but he has emerged as an outstanding backup option to Braxton Miller. If nothing else, Guiton was worth his performance and late-game heroics in OSU's <a href="http://www.elevenwarriors.com/2012/10/15236/guiton-orchestrates-ohio-stadium-euphoria">29-22 overtime victory over Purdue</a>.</p>
<p>Finally, the 2010 group is tough to judge in whole at this point, but the players standing out right now that were not highly rated are K <strong>Drew Basil</strong>, CB <strong>Bradley Roby</strong>, DT <strong>Johnathan Hankins</strong>, and CB <strong>Adam Griffin</strong>.</p>
<p>Basil is set to enter his third season as the Buckeyes' starter at kicker, and will also handle punting duties this coming season.</p>
<p>Roby was rated as the country's 44th-best cornerback coming out of high school, which is ironic, because some have him as the first at the position off the board in the 2014 NFL Draft. There was no questioning Roby was a great athlete coming out of high school, but he really flourished once the Bucks decided he was a corner not a receiver and he is rewarding them big time.</p>
<p>Hankins was probably too heavy as a high school senior, but his will to work and athleticism for his size brought him from the 48th-ranked defensive tackle to early entree for the NFL Draft. Hankins' stock is dipping a bit right now, but he is still expected to be, at worst, a late first-round or early second-round selection.</p>
<p>Griffin was a post-Signing Day addition to the class when there was a spot open and many thought Archie's son was given the spot as a favor to pops. In fact, there have been rumors swirling since he signed that Adam would eventually give up his scholarship to free up space for an elite talent and allow the benefit of having a father employed by the university kick in. Neither of those turned out to be true and the younger Griffin is carving out his own legacy as an important member of Ohio State's special teams units. </p>
<p>Griffin will compete for a cornerback spot this spring, although he's unlikely to win the job, but nonetheless he has gone above and beyond most's expectations for his impact in Columbus. Adam's contributions remind me of Shaun Lane's from a few years back and as long as he continues the solid work on special units, there will be a place for him on Urban Meyer's roster.</p>
<h3>
Big-Time Busts</h3>
<p>While diamonds in the rough consisted of three-star players and below that turned out to contribute during their time in Columbus, busts are four and five-star prospects that did not meet expectations, whether that be because of on-field performance or injury.</p>
<div class="imageright">
<img alt="At least he had sweet dreads" src="http://www.elevenwarriors.com/sites/default/files/c/2013/03/Mo-Wells.jpg" style="width: 250px; height: 323px" /><span class="caption">Mo Wells: hated by fans, loved by opposing defenses</span></div>
<p>In 2004 the busts included LB <strong>Chad Hoobler</strong>, OL <strong>Kyle Mitchum</strong>, S <strong>Sirjo Welch</strong>, OL <strong>Ben Person</strong>, and WR <strong>Albert Dukes</strong>. Hoobler was rated as the nation's fourth-best tight end coming out of high school, yet flamed out once moved to the defensive side of the field. Mitchum and Person were 7th and 17th in the country, respectively, on the offensive line and neither made a big impact at OSU. Finally, Dukes was pegged as "the next Santonio Holmes", but never amounted to much more than a few flashy plays during spring practice.</p>
<p>2005 brought four busts to the table in QB <strong>Rob Schoenhoft</strong>, RB <strong>Maurice Wells</strong>, CB <strong>Jamario O'Neal</strong>, and LB <strong>Freddie Lenix</strong>. Lenix never made it to campus, but the other three certainly did. Schoenhoft ended up transferring to Delaware, Maurice Wells, not completely to his own fault, was never the change-of-pace speed back the Bucks hoped for, and O'Neal went from nation's third-ranked corner to ultimately a career backup.</p>
<p>In 2006 the Bucks brought in QB <strong>Antonio Henton</strong>, OL <strong>Connor Smith</strong>, LB <strong>Mark Johnson</strong>, and DL <strong>Robert Rose</strong>, and all four never panned out. Henton was the country's 13th-best signal caller, but couldn't stay focused off the field, leading to his eventual departure. Smith, a high school All-American, never started for the Buckeyes and ended up being one big colossal bust. Johnson quickly transferred out of the program and was never heard of again. Finally, Rose played the most in the group and was a contributor during his time in Columbus, but also had off-field issues and never lived up to his billing as the nation's fifth-ranked defensive end and Army All-American honor.</p>
<p>2007 was a big year for busts and the list includes S <strong>Eugene Clifford</strong>, RB <strong>Brandon Saine</strong>, S <strong>Nate Oliver</strong>, CB <strong>James Scott</strong>, and WR <strong>Taurian Washington</strong>. Clifford, who got into trouble off the field, and Scott, who transferred to Ole Miss, barely played for the Buckeyes. Oliver and Washington, known as a spring game star, contributed while in Columbus, but were career backups. Finally, many wouldn't consider Saine a bust, but I am putting him on this list as he was the 11th-ranked running back in the country, yet only ran for 1,408 yards and 9 touchdowns in his career. Injuries certainly contributed to that and I am happy to see his finally sort of reaching his potential in the NFL.</p>
<p>2008 was a better year and the group that didn't work out was made up of WR <strong>Lamaar "Flash" Thomas</strong>, DT <strong>Willie Mobley</strong>, and DE <strong>Keith Wells</strong>. The most disappointing in the group was Thomas, who many thought would bring the Buckeyes speed they were missing since Ted Ginn Jr., but he had trouble with the transition to wide receiver and transferred to New Mexico. Mobley was lost on the depth chart and went to Arizona, while Wells couldn't get it together in the classroom and was last seen at Ohio Dominican last season, before getting the boot there due to grades.</p>
<p>In 2009 the list features LB <strong>Dorian Bell</strong>, DE <strong>Melvin Fellows</strong>, RB <strong>Jaamal Berry</strong>, S <strong>Jamie Wood</strong>, WR <strong>Duron Carter</strong>, LB <strong>Storm Klein</strong>, CB <strong>Dominic Clarke</strong>, WR <strong>James Jackson</strong>, and DE <strong>Jonathan Newsome</strong>. It is certainly a long list and includes players that didn't work out for multiple reasons.</p>
<p>Fellows and Wood fall into the category of medical reasons. Fellows was the #3 defensive end in the country, but never was healthy during his time in Columbus. Wood was the #9 safety and an Army All-American, but has been battling a shoulder ailment and is giving football one more go this spring.</p>
<p>Bell (#2 WLB), Berry (#8 RB), Carter (#10 WR), and Clarke (#26 CB), all left Columbus due to off-field issues. Bell wasn't getting it done in the classroom and is trying to revive his career and attitude at Duquesne. Berry had some non-physical health issues going on and is trying to bounce back at Murray State. Carter couldn't stay off X-Box, and thus couldn't get a good grade, and his journey took him from Columbus to JuCo to Alabama to Florida Atlantic and now to the NFL Draft, after playing in just his freshman season. Finally, Clarke got in trouble due to a air-soft gun incident and clashed with Meyer upon his hiring, ultimately showing him the door.</p>
<p>Jackson could never seem to get going and left the program on his own merit, despite being a four-star wide receiver. Klein, the #10 SLB, started a bit while at Ohio State, but never reached his potential and had off-field issues last season.</p>
<p>Finally, in 2010, busts were #3 <strong>MLB Scott McVey</strong>, #29 WR <strong>James Louis</strong>, and #32 WR <strong>Tyrone/T.Y./Ty Williams</strong>. McVey never got to see the field due to a chronic shoulder injury that put him on medical hardship. Louis transferred closer to home at Florida International, but left us with many great Twitter memories and earned the nickname "Keyboard James". Williams was supposed to be the big receiving red zone threat the Buckeyes needed, but was a knucklehead, for lack of a better term, and left the program for Ohio Dominican.</p>
Wednesday, March 6, 2013 - 15:00Alex20235Forecasting 2014: Defensive Backshttp://www.elevenwarriors.com/2013/03/20142/forecasting-2014-ohio-state-defensive-back-prospects
<p>Spring football may be just a day away, but you know that as excited as Urban Meyer is to see what he has for the 2013 season, he's been focused just as much as putting together another top-rated group with his recruiting class of 2014.</p>
<div class="imagetopright">
<img alt="JUICEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE" src="http://www.elevenwarriors.com/sites/default/files/c/2013/03/Kerry-Coombs.jpg" style="width: 200px; height: 262px;" /><span class="caption">Kerry Coombs wants more Juice at OSU</span></div>
<p>Defensive back was an area the staff really honed in on in 2013, and they did well, landing true defensive backs Vonn Bell, Eli Apple, Cam Burrows, Gareon Conley, Jayme Thompson, as well as athletes Darron Lee and Chris Worley, both of whom could end up at safety or star in nickel packages.</p>
<p>While this past year's class should help reload the defensive backfield, Bradley Roby is likely to depart for the NFL after this season, leaving a lot of young talent to step up in 2014. That makes the secondary a priority once again for this year's haul, and the Bucks are already off to a great start, securing the commitment of Detroit (MI) Cass Tech's Damon Webb.</p>
<p>In this final part of our "Forecasting 2014" series, we take a look at the top cornerbacks and safeties that are currently on Ohio State's big board. Naturally, this list is likely to change over the next year as the staff gets to see more prospects up close in camp settings and in games their senior year, but for now this should give a pretty good run down of who Kerry Coombs and Everett Withers could be mentoring over the next couple of seasons.</p>
<!--break--><h3>
Tier 1</h3>
<p>Starting at cornerback, the elite prospects to fall into Tier 1 include <a href="http://247sports.com/Player/Tony-Brown-14164">Tony Brown</a>,<a href="http://247sports.com/Player/Jabrill-Peppers-13084"> Jabrill Peppers</a>, <a href="http://247sports.com/Player/Nick-Watkins-18713">Nick Watkins</a>, <a href="http://247sports.com/Player/Jalen-Tabor-10537">Jalen Tabor</a>, <a href="http://247sports.com/Player/Damon-Webb-17053">Damon Webb</a>, <a href="http://247sports.com/Player/Parrker-Westphal-20546">Parrker Westphal</a>, <a href="http://247sports.com/Player/DJ-Smith-15486">DJ Smith</a>, and <a href="http://247sports.com/Player/Kalvarez-Bessent-23746">Kalvarez Bessent</a>.</p>
<p>Brown is very high on the Buckeyes and the Beaumont (TX) Ozen prospect has said he plans to get to Columbus for an official visit next fall. He also wants to try to get to campus this summer, a good sign for OSU, but right now LSU will be hard to beat. Not only is Brown high on Les Miles' program, but his sister runs track for the Tigers, making Baton Rouge a comfortable place to be.</p>
<p>Peppers is the best defensive back in the nation in my eyes, and the Paramus (NJ) Catholic star has OSU and Stanford on top of his list early, despite not having visited either school. Peppers is set to visit Columbus in early April, and I only expect his interest in the Bucks to intensify after that trip. He led his team to a state title this year after recording 80 tackles and 4 interceptions on defense, while also rushing for 1,552 yards on 172 carries with 18 touchdowns, and catching 20 passes for 337 yards with 5 touchdowns on offense.</p>
<p>Watkins, of Dallas (TX) Bishop Dunne Catholic, was a player the Bucks offered early, but they'll have to fight the powers of the South to land his services. The first step will be getting him to campus for a visit, but right now this one is looking like a long shot.</p>
<p>Tabor was high on Ohio State out of the gate, as both he and teammate Jonathan Haden were offered early. Since then, Tabor has cooled on the Bucks, citing the large amount of defensive backs brought in for 2013 as his reason for not holding Urban Meyer's program in as high regard as he previously did. He is an outstanding prospect who the Bucks will continue to chase, but this one is trending away from the good guys at the moment.</p>
<p>Webb <a href="http://www.elevenwarriors.com/2013/01/18611/committed-catching-up-with-damon-webb">became OSU's second verbal pledge for 2014</a>, when he gave Meyer his commitment back on January 13. Webb is not only a big get as the nation's seventh-ranked cornerback, but he also hails from Cass Tech, a school that traditionally sends its top talent to Ann Arbor. Webb claims he is solid to the Bucks and will not be changing his decision, and the information I have confirms that. You can bet that won't stop UM or MSU from throwing everything they have at him, though.</p>
<p>On the opposite end of the spectrum, Parrker Westphal is a heavy Michigan lean, and it would be a shock if he committed to anyone other than the Wolverines. There's still plenty of time until National Signing Day 2014, though, and he has made multiple visits to Columbus, so don't count OSU out just yet. To repeat, definite long shot, but if Urban decides he wants to go hard after Parrker, it's game on.</p>
<p>Smith is one of many Georgia prospects to be offered by the Bucks and it's kind of unknown right now where things stand between the two parties. Look for a visit here, and if that doesn't happen, you don't have to pay much attention here. Word is Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, and Alabama are the favorites right now, so I expect an SEC decision eventually for Smith.</p>
<p>Finally, Bessent is another Georgia prospect the Bucks are looking at, but once again they'll have to fight with almost every big program in the South for his services. Just like with Smith, a visit to OSU would say a lot. If that doesn't happen, don't pay too much attention here.</p>
<p>Safeties in Tier 1 include <a href="http://247sports.com/Player/Quin-Blanding-11884">Quin Blanding</a>, <a href="http://247sports.com/Player/Laurence-Jones-16847">Laurence Jones</a>, <a href="http://247sports.com/Player/Edward-Paris-11885">Edward Paris</a>, <a href="http://247sports.com/Player/Todd-Kelly-18681">Todd Kelly Jr.</a>, <a href="http://247sports.com/Player/Montae-Nicholson-21896">Montae Nicholson</a>, and <a href="http://247sports.com/Player/Brandon-Simmons-10980">Brandon Simmons</a>.</p>
<p>Blanding always mentioned the Buckeyes amongst his favorites, but recently committed to Virginia and says he wants to commit others to Charlottesville. This one is far from over, but Urban and Zach Smith will have to work hard to flip Blanding, who has built up quite the rapport with some of the Mid-Atlantic region prospects.</p>
<p>Jones says he grew up a fan of Ohio State, but living in Louisiana it will be hard to pull him away from LSU and Alabama. Never say never, but I highly doubt Jones ends up in scarlet and gray.</p>
<p>Speaking of LSU, Paris just committed there last week and I don't expect the five-star prospect to flip to OSU if he ever flips throughout this process. He is an elite talent and another great get for Les Miles' team.</p>
<p>Kelly Jr. visited Columbus a few weeks back and is definitely a player the Bucks are in the mix for. His father played for Tennessee and he lives in Knoxville, so I think the Vols, with a new staff, have a nice advantage, while Clemson will be tough to beat as well. Right now you need to see how things play out, but the fact Kelly made a trip to Columbus on his own dime at least speaks volumes to where he holds OSU on his list.</p>
<p>Nicholson was born in Columbus and the Ohio State offer was one he coveted and eventually landed. Pittsburgh, Penn State, Michigan, and a few others are threats to snag him, but I think if OSU decides they really want him they'll make a strong move and land him. He is a big-time talent and I think his ceiling is very high, which is saying a lot for the nation's 11th-ranked safety.</p>
<p>Simmons is a teammate of Paris's, and both earned Ohio State offers around the same time. LSU would seem to be in good position here, as are Baylor and West Virginia, but I'm not sure a commitment is coming anytime soon. Simmons said he wants to visit OSU at some point, so look for that to happen before things get serious.</p>
<h3>
Tier 2</h3>
<p>The list is a little smaller in Tier 2, but there is still plenty of talent. At cornerback the players include <a href="http://247sports.com/Player/Quincy-Wilson-18388">Quincy Wilson</a>, <a href="http://247sports.com/Player/Chris-Lammons-25213">Chris Lammons</a>, <a href="http://247sports.com/Player/DAndre-Payne-10536">D'Andre Payne</a>, <a href="http://247sports.com/Player/Kiy-Hester-20879">Kiy Hester</a>, <a href="http://247sports.com/Player/Chris-Hardeman-18649">Chris Hardeman</a>, <a href="http://247sports.com/Player/JC-Jackson-16238">JC Jackson</a>, and <a href="http://247sports.com/Player/Dravon-Henry-20595">Dravon Henry</a>. At safety they are <a href="http://247sports.com/Player/Darius-West-21833">Darius West</a>, <a href="http://247sports.com/Player/CJ-Reavis-19653">CJ Reavis</a>, <a href="http://247sports.com/Player/Eric-Smith-23564">Erick Smith</a>,<a href="http://247sports.com/Player/Nick-Glass-17485"> Nick Glass</a>, <a href="http://247sports.com/Player/Cortez-McDowell-25457">Cortez McDowell</a>, and<a href="http://247sports.com/Player/Chris-Williams-27627"> Chris Williams</a>.</p>
<div class="imageright">
<img alt="Wilson's University School rocked the 'Shoe last fall" src="http://www.elevenwarriors.com/sites/default/files/c/2013/03/Quincy-Wilson.jpg" style="width: 250px; height: 385px;" /><span class="caption">Quincy Wilson is a big corner the Bucks covet</span></div>
<p>Wilson and Lammons are two prospects from Florida that both hold Ohio State offers and are high on what Urban Meyer has to offer. Wilson is a big corner that Kerry Coombs likes to work with, while Lammons is a bit of a sleeper prospect that is first starting to blow up. Both of these kids should visit at some point this summer and would be excellent additions to this class. A move to Tier 1 is not out the question for either.</p>
<p>Payne camped at OSU last summer, but there hasn't been much buzz about him and the Bucks. He is transferring to Friendship Academy this upcoming season and will play with Jalen Tabor in the secondary, forming one of the nation's best units. He does mention Ohio State amongst his early favorites, so keep an eye out to see how this one develops.</p>
<p>Hester just recently earned his offer from the Buckeyes, but the Wayne (NJ) St. Joseph Regional prospect already likes what he sees from Ohio State. He is technically categorized as an athlete and can play cornerback, safety, or wide receiver at the college level.</p>
<p>Hardeman, committed to LSU, and Jackson, committed to Florida State, are definitely long shots for Ohio State. I don't see Hardeman backing off of his early pledge anytime soon, and the same goes for Jackson. Definitely not an area to concentrate much time on for 2014 as of this moment.</p>
<p>Dravon Henry <a href="http://www.elevenwarriors.com/blogs/alex/catching-up-with-dravon-henry-the-game-visit">was in Columbus for The Game this season</a> and came away from that trip really impressed with Ohio State. He says the Buckeyes have offered, but has put recruiting on the back burner for now while he finishes his basketball season. Hailing from Aliquippa, right outside Pittsburgh, the Panthers are reportedly the early team to beat, so we'll see how things go this spring and summer when he can get to see more schools.</p>
<p>West is one of the elite defensive players in the state of Ohio, but has not yet earned an offer from the Buckeyes. He says he keeps in contact with the staff often and expects a scholarship eventually, but for now he is focusing on getting ready for his senior season and the long list of offers he already has including Kentucky, Penn State, Missouri, Louisville, Vanderbilt, West Virginia, Purdue, and others. I think West is a very nice player, but for now is a backup option for OSU, should they miss out on some of the Tier 1 prospects they're going for.</p>
<p>Reavis is a four-star prospect from Chester, Virginia, and worked out at Ohio State's Friday Night Lights last summer. While he showed his wide range of skills at the camp, he still hasn't earned a Buckeye offer, meaning the staff is looking at him as a secondary option right now. Word is Reavis is high on Virginia Tech and UNC, but Virginia has made a run of late. Expect him to stay in the Mid-Atlantic region, close to home.</p>
<p>Smith is another outstanding prospect from Ohio, but unlike West, the Glenville star has an offer from the Buckeyes. Alabama, Michigan, Michigan State, West Virginia, Georgia Tech, and others have offered, but I would say chances are high this Tarblooder ends up playing his college ball in Columbus.</p>
<p>Glass, McDowell, and Williams are three more Georgia prospects the Bucks are in on and it was a very tough decision to put them in Tier 2. They are outstanding players who have offers from just about everyone across the country.</p>
<p>Glass is currently committed to Georgia, but I would say that's a very soft commit. He is supposed to make a visit to Columbus some time in the next few months and we will know more than about his feelings regarding Ohio State. Early word is that he is liking what Urban Meyer has to offer and is excited about potentially playing with some of his home state's top talent if OSU is the destination for them.</p>
<p>McDowell is uncommitted, but is considering the Buckeyes highly. He has a great relationship with Everett Withers, but Alabama, Georgia, Florida State, Georgia Tech, UNC, and a few other southern programs will be tough to beat.</p>
<p>Finally, Williams is a prospect we don't know as much about, but the Kingsland Camden County star lists offers of note as Alabama, Ole Miss, and UNC, in addition to the Buckeyes. Withers and Meyer are trying hard to get in at Camden County, as Williams is one of a handful of prospects the Bucks are recruiting for 2014.</p>
<h3>
Tier 3</h3>
<p>While Tier 3 in other position groups can be considered "bottom of the barrel" talent, that is not the case with defensive backs. At corner, players in this tier are <a href="http://247sports.com/Player/Alonzo-Saxton-15654">Alonzo Saxton</a>,<a href="http://recruiting.scout.com/a.z?s=73&amp;p=8&amp;c=1&amp;nid=5551731"> Devon Rogers</a>, <a href="http://247sports.com/Player/Vayante-Copeland-28790">Vayante Copeland</a>, and <a href="http://247sports.com/Player/Troy-Vincent-20637">Troy Vincent</a>. Safeties are <a href="http://247sports.com/Player/Marcus-Whitfield-28759">Marcus Whitfield</a>, <a href="http://247sports.com/Player/Marcus-Allen-18612">Marcus Allen</a>, <a href="http://247sports.com/Player/RaShaan-Gaulden-14896">Rashaan Gaulden</a>, and<a href="http://247sports.com/Player/Nathan-Hall-21802"> Nathan Hall</a>.</p>
<div class="imageleft">
<img alt="Sleeper Alert" src="http://www.elevenwarriors.com/sites/default/files/c/2013/03/Vayante-Copeland.jpg" style="width: 234px; height: 313px;" /><span class="caption">Copeland had a great year for Thurgood Marshall</span></div>
<p>Saxton was probably considered the top defensive back in Ohio before a junior year injury, and now the Columbus Bishop Hartley star is on the comeback trail to prove to everyone he is worthy of his four-star status. It looks like Ohio State will be in "wait and see mode" with the 5-10/165 junior for now, but if the hometown school doesn't come through, Saxton still has offers from Wisconsin, Purdue, Northwestern, West Virginia, Illinois, Cincinnati, and Toledo.</p>
<p>Rogers is another local product, from Hilliard Darby, and can play cornerback, safety, or wide receiver in college. He has visited Ohio State multiple times, but it appears he's more likely to end up at a place like Illinois, where his Darby teammate Caleb Day is headed next season. Rogers is a great kid and a nice-looking athlete, but Columbus is an unlikely destination right now.</p>
<p>Copeland is a bit of a sleeper prospect from Dayton (OH) Thurgood Marshall and I am interested to see him camp this summer after hearing some rave reviews about his game. He holds offers from Minnesota, Michigan State, Ohio, Toledo, and Bowling Green, so word is starting to get out, but I expect that list to grow big time after hitting the camp circuit in the coming months. The Buckeyes are well aware of this athlete who notched 7 interceptions on defense, and also compiled 2,332 total offensive yards with 31 touchdowns at running back on offense.</p>
<p>Vincent, out of power Baltimore (MD) Gilman, is ranked as the nation's 13th-best corner, according to the 247 Composite, and has a nice list of offers, but is really lacking the "power offers" of other top-rated players, other than Michigan. I'm personally not as high on him as some recruiting services are though, and agree more with the 247 three-star rating. It seems the staff does as well, as they have not been in contact much with the son of former NFL star Troy Vincent Sr.</p>
<p>Whitfield, out of Massillon Washington, is another "sleeper" in my opinion and I expect his offer list, that includes only Toledo right now, to grow by a lot in the coming months. I know the Buckeyes have been in touch with Whitfield and he would commit in a second if he received his offer, but I don't think a scholarship is coming anytime soon. This is definitely a prospect the staff wants to see in camp, and has on the back burner, knowing he is a fan of the program and that they have other prospects ranked ahead of him on their list.</p>
<p>Allen reminds me a lot of Vincent, not only because they're from Maryland, but in the sense that he's a good prospect, not a great one. Unfortunately, 2014 is a year in which OSU has a smaller class and needs to aim for greatness, leaving players like Allen out of the fold. Maryland, Pitt, Penn State, and Rutgers seem to have the lead for the four-star's services, and I would be pretty shocked if OSU was mentioned from here on out.</p>
<p>Gaulden is another safety who I am a fan of, although I think I might like the Spring Hill (TN) Independence product better as a receiver. Ole Miss, Tennessee, South Carolina, Vanderbilt, Mississippi State, Kentucky, Nebraska, and others have offered, but I would be shocked if he doesn't stay close to home. Ohio State got a visit last summer when he and teammates came for a small one-day camp, but no offer has been made and unless that changes, nothing to see here.</p>
<p>Finally, Hall, out of Sylvania (OH) Southview, is another sleeper from Ohio that I think will get a long look from the staff this summer at camp. At 6-3/200, he can play either safety or wide receiver, and has received a handful of early offers from MAC schools. The Buckeyes, Michigan, Boston College, Notre Dame, Northwestern, Michigan State, NC State, and others have all been in touch, leading me to believe with a solid performance at combines and camps, he'll start to blow up. Let's just say there's a reason he's rated as a four-star prospect and the No. 26 athlete in the country by the 247 Composite.</p>
Monday, March 4, 2013 - 14:00Alex20142Instant Impact: Defensehttp://www.elevenwarriors.com/2013/02/20065/instant-impact-defense
<p>The Ohio State defense got off to a tumultuous start last year, but came together around the midway point of the season and was a force to be reckoned with at season's end.</p>
<div class="imagetopright">
<img alt="The Bell will ring this season" src="http://www.elevenwarriors.com/sites/default/files/c/2013/02/vonn-bell-will-decide-10am.jpeg" style="width: 240px; height: 234px; border-width: 0px; border-style: solid;" /><span class="caption">Vonn Bell has a great chance to see the field</span></div>
<p>The good news coming out of that is that there will be plenty of momentum for the Silver Bullets heading into this year, but the bad news is that the unit will lose 7 out of 11 starters from last year's squad.</p>
<p>All four defensive linemen, two linebackers, and a cornerback have departed due to graduation or the NFL Draft, so it will be up to some of the younger players on last year's team, as well as the incoming freshman class to step up and fill the voids left by those talented players.</p>
<p>On Monday <a href="http://www.elevenwarriors.com/2013/02/19997/instant-impact-offense">we took a look at which offensive players</a> in the recruiting class of 2013 could make an instant impact this coming season, and now in the second and final part of this segment, we will take a look at which defensive players could be seeing the field this fall to help the Buckeyes work towards their next crystal ball.</p>
<!--break--><h3>
Defensive Line</h3>
<p>It is a fight between the secondary and defensive line in terms of which group is deeper for the 2013 class, but one thing for sure is that Urban Meyer did an excellent job bringing in Joey Bosa, Donovan Munger, Billy Price, Michael Hill, Tracy Sprinkle, and Tyquan Lewis.</p>
<p>I will be absolutely shocked if the Fort Lauderdale (FL) St. Thomas Aquinas star, Bosa, does not see the field this year. At 6-5/270 and getting bigger by the second, Bosa has the body to get in the two-deep immediately and has proven over and over again how disruptive he can be at multiple positions along the line. It is my guess he plays behind Adolphus Washington at strongside end, but works his way on to the field on third downs and passing situations as the season goes on, where he can use his combination of strength and speed to get to the quarterback from end or tackle.</p>
<p>On the other hand, Munger is a player who is more raw and I think the former Shaker Heights star will need a year to redshirt. At 6-4/285, the size is certainly there for the four-star prospect, but I just get the sense he has a lot to learn from a mental standpoint when it comes to moving up to the college ranks. Munger was also an excellent offensive line prospect in high school and it wouldn't shock me to see him there at some point in his career.</p>
<p>Many people think Billy Price could eventually move to the offensive line at OSU, but I think he'll surprise many in what he does when he arrives at campus in June. At 6-4/300, it looks like Price will end up inside at tackle and with the position more uncertain than end right now, I think there is a great chance he can come in and earn a spot in the rotation.</p>
<p>Michael Hill is another candidate to make a move at defensive tackle, but his fate this season could depend on how quickly he bounces back from a hand injury that shortened his senior season. At 6-2/315, Hill is a big boy, but like the departed Johnathan Hankins, the four-star talent has tremendous athleticism that will help him at the college level. I'm a bit on the fence when it comes to Hill, but right now I'd lean to him seeing the field at some point in 2013.</p>
<p>Tracy Sprinkle and Tyquan Lewis are two players who have enrolled early and have a leg up on their classmates to see the field, as they went through winter workouts and will have spring practice. I think both are talented players, yet need some time to develop, so early signs would lead me to think both redshirt. I could be completely wrong in that assessment and after watching spring ball I can revisit this, but I think the staff wants a year to figure out the plan for these two after some time with Mickey Marotti.</p>
<h3>
Linebacker</h3>
<p>Zach Boren and Etienne Sabino have exhausted their eligibility, leaving Ryan Shazier as the only returning linebacker heading into 2013.</p>
<div class="imageright">
<img alt="The Abusement Park" src="http://www.elevenwarriors.com/sites/default/files/c/2013/01/MikeMitchell_0.jpg" style="width: 200px; height: 335px; border-width: 0px; border-style: solid;" /><span class="caption">Mike Mitchell isn't planning on redshirting</span></div>
<p>Josh Perry, Camren Williams, Curtis Grant, and others will have enough on their hands in fighting for the two open spots, but the staff brought in Mike Mitchell and Trey Johnson this recruiting season to push the veterans currently on the roster.</p>
<p>Mitchell, nicknamed "The Abusement Park", made a name for himself on the national stage this summer at Nike's The Opening, where he ran a 4.39 40-yard dash and earned a 154.57 SPARQ rating, tops in the nation.</p>
<p>The Army All-American is a freak of nature to say the least, and gives the Buckeyes a linebacker that can run sideline to sideline, as well as make plays in the backfield from the day he steps on campus.</p>
<p>Mitchell is capable of playing all three linebacker positions and I think he'll earn playing time early on special teams before eventually working his way into the two-deep at some point this season.</p>
<p>Trey Johnson is a talented player in his own right and the four-star prospect comes to Columbus as the 247 Composite second-ranked inside linebacker after notching 140 tackles during his senior season at Lawrenceville (GA) Central Gwinnett.</p>
<p>While Johnson may not be as athletic as Mitchell, he has good size at 6-2/220 and more importantly has a very high football IQ, which should certainly help him adjust to the more complex schemes at the college level.</p>
<p>Johnson played middle linebacker in high school, but early word is that he could move to the outside at Ohio State. Like Mitchell, I at least expect him to contribute on special teams and be competitive for a spot in the two deep.</p>
<p>Outside of Mitchell and Johnson, Cleveland Glenville's Chris Worley falls into the linebacker category for now, and I think he will start out at the hybrid Star position to begin his career, before eventually moving to linebacker down the road.</p>
<p>At 6-3/190, Worley certainly needs to bulk up for college, but he has the frame to do so easily and entering OSU's weight training program should yield big results. The athleticism, ability to deliver the big hit, and great football instincts make the sleeper prospect one to watch this coming year, as word is the staff if high on him and he could see the field on special teams.</p>
<h3>
Defensive Back</h3>
<p>As previously mentioned, the secondary is right up there with the defensive line in terms of the plethora of talent the Buckeyes brought in this year. Gareon Conley, Eli Apple, Cam Burrows, Vonn Bell, Darron Lee, and Jayme Thompson are excellent prospects and there's certainly a chance all and any could see the field this season.</p>
<p>Conley, at 6-1/175, could end up at either cornerback or wide receiver in college, although it seems the former is where he'll start out. I think he has the skills to see some green in year one, but if I were a betting man, I would say the staff takes a year to evaluate the best position for him or improve his cornerback skills, much like they did with Bradley Roby, a similar prospect coming out of high school, during his redshirt freshman season in Columbus.</p>
<p>Apple is already enrolled at OSU and has a leg up on most of his future teammates by getting on the field this spring. The nation's fifth-best cornerback according to the 247 Composite is almost a shoe-in to get some sort of action this fall, and he'll certainly get a chance to compete with Doran Grant, Armani Reeves, and others for the starting spot opposite Roby. I don't think Apple will win that job, but I think he will definitely play on special teams and contribute where he can in the secondary.</p>
<p>Burrows is also an early enrollee and while I think safety is his eventual landing spot, he proved to many at the Under Armour Game that he is more than capable of starring at cornerback, where the Buckeye coaches currently have him slotted. Cam is another player I see at the very least contributing on special teams this coming season and like Apple, will compete for time in the defensive backfield.</p>
<p>Bell is the stud catch of the class and probably has the best chance out of any freshman to avoid a redshirt. Bell will provide quality depth behind CJ Barnett and Christian Bryant at safety, and could also challenge Devan Bogard and Corey "Pittsburgh" Brown for time at the Star position. The five-star athlete is the real deal and you just know Urban will find a way to get him onto the field this year.</p>
<p>Lee is very much like Worley in that he was recruited by the Bucks as an athlete and they'll have to find a position for him when he gets to campus. It looks like that position will be safety to start, but he earned his offer after working out at linebacker last summer, so that is always a possibility in the future. Either way, while talented, I think Lee is headed for a redshirt while they figure out what to do with his unique skill set.</p>
<p>Finally, Thompson is an intriguing safety prospect and I can honestly see him going either way this year. I think if he does play it will be solely on special teams, as Barnett, Bryant, Bell, Brown, Bogard, Tyvis Powell, and Ron Tanner all start fall camp ahead of him on the depth chart. I think Thompson is capable of having an excellent career in Columbus, but I'm just not sure it starts this season.</p>
Wednesday, February 27, 2013 - 13:30Alex20065Instant Impact: Offensehttp://www.elevenwarriors.com/2013/02/19997/instant-impact-offense
<p>Each year, in the days and weeks following National Signing Day, fans across the nation get excited – maybe a little too excited – over the new kids in town. Visions of how they will help the team in the coming season start to come into place and labels as "the next great (enter position here) for University X" are placed on 17 and 18-year-old kids.</p>
<div class="imagetopleft">
<img alt="" src="http://www.elevenwarriors.com/sites/default/files/c/2013/02/Screen%20Shot%202013-02-25%20at%204.46.48%20PM.png" style="width: 260px; height: 385px; " /><span class="caption">Freshman Teddy: 4 PR TDs with a 25.6 yard avg.</span></div>
<p>While some of these prophecies come true six to seven months following the signing of letters of intent, the straight facts are that most freshmen football players across the country make very little impact on their team's season in year one on campus.</p>
<p>Of course there are the exceptions like Ted Ginn Jr., Terrelle Pryor, Braxton Miller, and others, but if you take a look closely at each recruiting class for any college football program across the country, it is a rarity to have impact freshmen on the roster.</p>
<p>That being said, there are those exceptions, and with Ohio State bringing in possibly their best recruiting haul ever, it's worth taking a look at which of those players could be difference makers as Urban Meyer and his staff make a run at the national championship in 2013.</p>
<p>In this two-part series, we'll do just that, starting today with the offense. Join us after the jump to see which of Urban and Tom Herman's toys could see the field this season and make an instant impact for the 2013 Ohio State Buckeyes.</p>
<!--break--><h3>
Quarterback</h3>
<p>The Buckeyes brought in just one signal caller in the class of 2013 and that is early enrollee JT Barrett.</p>
<p>The 6-1/225 quarterback from Wichita Falls (TX) Rider was targeted early by Meyer and Herman and they landed their man early in the recruiting process. Barrett was a bit of a gem in the sense that many felt he was underrated by recruiting services a bit and would blow up his senior season.</p>
<p>That blow up was set to happen until a knee injury ended his season early and left him in rehab. Barrett is continuing that rehab currently at OSU after enrolling for spring semester, and is going through workouts with the team.</p>
<p>He is expected to throw, but not run, this spring and is supposedly on schedule to return by the opening game next year, but with Braxton Miller, Kenny Guiton and Cardale Jones on the roster, it's hard to imagine a scenario in which the star freshman doesn't redshirt.</p>
<p>I think, pending all goes well with rehab, Barrett has a bright future with the Buckeyes, but it won't start in 2013.</p>
<h3>
Running Back</h3>
<p>Just like with quarterback, there is only one true running back in this class and that is Ezekiel Elliott of St. Louis (MO) John Burroughs.</p>
<div class="imageright">
<img alt="" src="http://www.elevenwarriors.com/sites/default/files/c/2013/02/EZE.jpg" style="width: 275px; height: 280px;" /><span class="caption">EZE adds more depth to an already stocked RB stable</span></div>
<p>Like Barrett, Elliott was a player who flew under the radar a bit early, but the Bucks targeted him from the get-go and landed him on April 1, 2012.</p>
<p>Elliott is a big-time player who has the strength to line up in the I-formation and take it to you up the middle, while also possessing the versatility to move out to the slot and do some work in the passing game. He also has had success as a return man on special teams, which could come in handy when he arrives at Ohio State.</p>
<p>One again like with Barrett, depth could stand in the way of "EzE" seeing the field in 2013. Starter Carlos Hyde returned for his last season, while Rod Smith and Bri'onte Dunn both were in the rotation at times last year and will be back. On top of that, Warren Ball will be a redshirt freshman after coming off a foot injury that forced him out all of last season, and more importantly, Jordan Hall was granted a medical redshirt and will come back to play a hybrid running back/receiver role this year.</p>
<p>I like Elliott and he'll have every chance to get on the field in year one, but I just don't see how it wouldn't be worth redshirting him to create a year of separation between him and the competition.</p>
<p>In addition to Elliott, one player to note in this section is preferred walk-on William Houston. Houston has already enrolled at OSU this semester and will get a head start on his classmates in terms of workouts and spring practice. He is someone I could see earning a scholarship if there is one open before fall camp and I think he could be a factor on special teams and at fullback down the road. </p>
<h3>
Wide Receiver/Tight End</h3>
<p>The Buckeyes brought in five players in this category and they are Middletown (OH) ATH Jalin Marshall, DeSoto (TX) ATH Dontre Wilson, New Smyrna Beach (FL) WR James Clark, East Mississippi WR Corey Smith, and Riverside (CA) JW North TE Marcus Baugh.</p>
<p>Marshall is someone who will almost definitely see the field immediately in some capacity because he is an electric player. A high school quarterback who has only played receiver in camps and things of the sort, Marshall looked like a natural down at the Under Armour All-America Game and he is currently working hard to prepare for his first full season out wide. I see him in the "Percy Harvin" hybrid role Meyer used at Florida, and while I'm not sure how it will happen or how much it will happen, I'd bet some good money you see the ball in Marshall's hands this season.</p>
<p>Wilson was a high school running back, but is no stranger to catching the ball, as DeSoto utilized his tremendous speed and agility in the open field. The fact that he was a former Oregon commit should tell you enough about his skill set, and like Marshall I can see him getting time in the slot at the hybrid role. It will be on Dontre in terms of how much he sees the field in 2013, but one area I definitely think he can make an immediate impact is on special teams in the return game, as he is an exceptional talent in that area.</p>
<p>Clark was a bit of a late surprise for the Buckeyes, but they were very happy to land a true slot receiver of his caliber. Unlike the aforementioned players above, Clark won't play the hybrid, but he will be an inside receiver who is more likely to get the ball on shorter routes and use his speed to grab and go. The four-star prospect is good enough to see the field this year and will get every chance to do so, but between his fellow classmates and who is already on the roster, I'm not sure how often that will happen in 2013. I don't think he redshirts as of today, but I'm not sure he plays a ton of meaningful minutes.</p>
<p>Smith might be the biggest lock of all of the incoming receivers to see the field, since he comes already seasoned from the junior college ranks and plays outside receiver, where OSU really needs help. I truly believe that Urban Meyer will only take junior college players he believes will help his team from day one, and Smith, who only has two years of on-field eligibility remaining, falls into that bucket.</p>
<p>Finally, with Jeff Heuerman, Nick Vannett, and Blake Thomas on the roster it may be hard to see where Marcus Baugh sees the field, but this kid is one of the more underrated players in OSU's 2013 class and I think he makes an instant impact in a big way this year. Urban Meyer tells many tight end prospects they could be the next Aaron Hernandez for him in Columbus, but Baugh definitely has the combination of athleticism, strength, speed, and good hands to make that claim come true. I don't think there is really a player like him on OSU's roster currently and I look for Tom Herman to incorporate the four-star tight end into the offense however he can this fall.</p>
<h3>
Offensive Line</h3>
<p>The Buckeyes would have liked to have bring in at least three offensive linemen in this past year's class, but only ended up with two. That being said, Tim Gardner and Evan Lisle are good ones and both have a chance to crack the two-deep this season.</p>
<div class="imageleft">
<img alt="" src="http://www.elevenwarriors.com/sites/default/files/c/2013/02/evan%20lisle2.jpg" style="width: 250px; height: 333px;" /><span class="caption">Lisle keeps the Centerville pipeline flowing</span></div>
<p>Gardner is set to play inside at Ohio State and will provide talent at both right and left guard this year. With both Andrew Norwell and Marcus Hall set to graduate following this season, 2014 might be where Gardner makes his big splash, but there is an opportunity to beat out Antonio Underwood for a spot in the two-deep in 2013.</p>
<p>That opportunity will rest heavily on how Gardner is training to get himself into shape for when he arrives on campus in June, but if history indicates anything, the kid who did that once just to earn his OSU offer will put himself in the best place he can to earn some early playing time this year.</p>
<p>Evan Lisle's high school system was supposed to put him behind a bit in terms of pass protection, but he proved all the doubters wrong during the US Army All-American Bowl practices in San Antonio back in January.</p>
<p>Lisle was extremely impressive, and while he needs to add some weight before fall camp, he is certainly athletic enough and disciplined enough to fight for a backup tackle spot behind Jack Mewhort and Taylor Decker. He will be going up against Kyle Dodson, Darryl Baldwin, Tommy Brown, and possibly Chase Farris (who I have at back-up LG, but can play OT too) for a spot in the two-deep at either right or left tackle, and if his strength is where it needs to be, I like those chances that he wins out for one of them.</p>
<p>Like Gardner, Lisle will not be starting in 2013, but I definitely see him playing a little due to low depth and his surprising improvement in pass protection this year.</p>
Monday, February 25, 2013 - 14:00Alex19997Who&#039;s Next? Ohio&#039;s Top 10 for 2014http://www.elevenwarriors.com/2013/02/19890/whos-next-ohios-top-10-for-2014
<p>When Urban Meyer became head coach of Ohio State, I don't think it took anyone by surprise that the Buckeyes would be taking a more national approach to recruiting. </p>
<div class="imagetopright">
<img alt="Campbell: mmm, mmm good" src="http://www.elevenwarriors.com/sites/default/files/c/2013/02/Parris-Campbell-Jr.jpg" style="width: 250px; height: 385px; border-width: 0px; border-style: solid;" /><span class="caption">Where does Parris Campbell rank in Ohio?</span></div>
<p>Meyer has certainly delivered on his reputation of going across the country to grab elite talent, landing players from 13 different states in his first two classes, but that doesn't mean he's going to ignore his own backyard.</p>
<p>The state of Ohio is one of the deepest year in and year out in terms of talent and it's not a shocker that the Bucks have been able to keep most of that talent within state borders. Since 2002, OSU has had at least 9 players from the state in each of their recruiting classes (2008 and 2010 being the low years) and that doesn't appear to be changing from the Jim Tressel Era to the Urban Era.</p>
<p>Many try to predict that the new regime will not focus on Ohio as much as the last one, but that is not the case. The Vest and Urban certainly differ in terms of style of recruiting, but what people often fail to realize is that both coaches used and will use Ohio as a base for their classes, with the main difference lying in where they get the other half of their yearly haul.</p>
<p>Tressel was more inclined to stay in the Midwest with Pennsylvania, Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, and dabble into Florida, while Meyer will go anywhere across the globe to bring in elite talent.</p>
<p>This year's class will be no different. The 2014 prospect group in the state of Ohio is not as deep compared to most years, but if history tells you anything, you can still bank on around 9-10 players in Ohio State's final class hailing from the Buckeye State.</p>
<p>In this segment we take a look at the top 10 rising juniors in the state to give you an idea of who those players might be. Join us after the jump to see "who's next" when it comes to the class of 2014 talent inside state borders.</p>
<!--break--><h3>
10. Jimmy Byrne, OL, Cleveland St. Ignatius</h3>
<p><a href="http://247sports.com/Player/Jimmy-Byrne-18101">Jimmy Byrne</a> was considered amongst the top three players in the class of 2014 for Ohio early on, but as we get more exposure to other prospects, it is clear he probably sits in the bottom half of the top 10.</p>
<p>The 6-4/290 Notre Dame commit had a very good year for St. Ignatius and picked up early offers from the Fighting Irish, Ohio State, Michigan State, West Virginia, Illinois and others.</p>
<p>The Bucks were named the early favorites for Byrne, but a trip to Notre Dame for their contest against Michigan "wowed" the big lineman. He came back from that visit using South Bend as the bar to judge other schools and no other program was able to match the feeling Brian Kelly and his staff gave him, leading to a verbal pledge in December.</p>
<p>Byrne is a nice-looking prospect, but his size likely forces him to move inside to guard at the next level, with right tackle being a slight possibility. Because he is likely pegged for the inside, he slides down a bit on this list, but is certainly a lineman most programs in the country would love to have on their roster next year.</p>
<h3>
9. Dareian Watkins, ATH, Galion</h3>
<p><a href="http://247sports.com/Player/Dareian-Watkins-15532">Dareian Watkins</a> is a very intriguing prospect, as he has tremendous athletic ability, and it will just be a matter of what position he plays in college to fully project his potential.</p>
<p>The 6-2/192 four-star prospect is capable of playing quarterback, wide receiver, or defensive back at the next level and is ranked as the 21st top athlete in the nation by the 247 Composite.</p>
<p>He currently holds offers from schools such as Cincinnati, Georgia Tech, Illinois, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisville, Northwestern, Purdue, West Virginia, and others, with more programs likely extending a scholarship over the next few months.</p>
<p>Watkins had a very nice showing at the Ohio State camp last summer despite being banged up, and impressed the coaches with his skill set. He has not received an offer from the Buckeyes at this point, but stays in touch with the staff and remains on their radar.</p>
<p>I'm not sure how things will shake out with Watkins and OSU moving forward, but he is definitely a prospect to keep an eye on as we head into the summer camp circuit.</p>
<h3>
8. Derek Kief, WR, Cincinnati LaSalle</h3>
<p><a href="http://247sports.com/Player/Derek-Kief-17705">Derek Kief</a> got quite the Valentine's Day gift when he got on the phone with Urban Meyer and learned that he had earned a scholarship offer from the Buckeyes.</p>
<div class="imageleft">
<img alt="Big Man, Big Plays" src="http://www.elevenwarriors.com/sites/default/files/c/2013/02/Derek-Kief.jpg" style="width: 220px; height: 263px; border-width: 0px; border-style: solid;" /><span class="caption">Derek Kief is a big target for his quarterbacks</span></div>
<p>Kentucky, Northwestern, Boston College, Cincinnati, Maryland, Vanderbilt, and others have offered the 6-5/190 receiver, but his latest offer from OSU certainly stands out, as he has been a fan of the school growing up.</p>
<p>It appears the biggest competition for Kief at this point will come from the Wildcats, both Northwestern and Kentucky, but right now it looks like Urban Meyer will be tough to beat.</p>
<p>Ohio State is certainly in need of outside receivers in the class of 2014, and Kief might be as good as anyone with stellar speed and some of the best hands we have seen to date.</p>
<p>If that review isn't enough for you, LaSalle's head coach feels Kief has plenty of growing to do as a player to reach his potential, but has said that when he gets there he may end up better than another product of the program, former Buckeye WR DeVier Posey.</p>
<p>That's certainly high praise for the junior receiver and promising to know if Kief chooses the same college path that Posey did.</p>
<h3>
7. Parris Campbell Jr., ATH, Akron St. Vincent-St. Mary</h3>
<p><a href="http://247sports.com/Player/Parris-Campbell-24586">Parris Campbell Jr.</a> was not known in many recruiting circles before last football season, but that changed quickly after a state title performance in which the St. Vincent-St. Mary star rushed for 165 yards and 3 touchdowns on 14 carries in his team's victory. </p>
<p>Luckily for the 6-1/185 athlete, Ohio State's coaches were on hand for the game that day in Massillon and loved what they saw. After earning scholarship offers from Michigan State and Tennessee, the Buckeyes came through with an offer during Campbell's visit on February 10.</p>
<p>Growing up rooting for the Scarlet and Gray, it was a no-brainer what to do at that point for the speedster, as <a href="http://www.elevenwarriors.com/2013/02/19585/parris-campbell-makes-5-for-2014-3-for-today">Campbell accepted Urban Meyer's offer on the spot</a> to join the 2014 recruiting class.</p>
<p>It's a good thing the Bucks got to the talented prospect when they did, as he has the makings of a late bloomer who would blow up over the next couple of months. That process started last weekend when Campbell ran a 4.42 40-yard dash lasered time, showing the blazing speed that helps him on the gridiron and contributed to two state track relay championships.</p>
<p>At just 15 years old, Campbell skipped kindergarten and thus is a year younger than those in his grade. That means he is just starting to hit his potential, which is a very good thing for Ohio State. </p>
<p>He currently plays running back for the Irish, but it is not out of the question that he could play wide receiver, cornerback, or safety at the next level as he continues to grow.</p>
<h3>
6. Marcelys Jones, OL/DL, Cleveland Glenville</h3>
<p><a href="http://247sports.com/Player/Marcelys-Jones-23378">Marcelys Jones</a> was <a href="http://www.elevenwarriors.com/2012/12/17929/marcelys-jones-is-number-one-for-Ohio-state-in-2014">the first to commit to Ohio State in 2014</a>, when he gave Urban Meyer a surprise gift on Christmas morning.</p>
<p>At 6-5/325, Jones is a massive prospect that is being recruited for offensive guard. He moves extremely well, though, and it is not out of the question that he could end up playing defensive tackle when he gets to Columbus.</p>
<p>Regardless, landing Jones was big for the Buckeyes as they not only get one of the top players in Ohio, but keep the Glenville pipeline flowing. In addition to OSU, Jones has offers from Alabama, UCLA, Florida State, Michigan State, Kansas State, and others, but says he is firm to Ohio State.</p>
<p>After the staff saw him at the Best of the Midwest Combine this past weekend (<a href="http://www.elevenwarriors.com/blogs/miles-joseph/video-interviews-with-marcelys-jones-erick-smith-lonnie-johnson-and-darius-west-a">videos here</a>), it is certainly clear that there is room for Jones to move up in these rankings. As previously mentioned he is so light on his feet for a player of his size, a rare feat for any offensive lineman.</p>
<p>That athleticism will continue to help him as his career progresses and he gets into the shape the coaches want him to report in at when he gets to campus next year.</p>
<h3>
5. Kyle Trout, OT, Lancaster</h3>
<p><a href="http://247sports.com/Player/Kyle-Trout-21992">Kyle Trout</a> became the third member in the class of 2014 <a href="http://www.elevenwarriors.com/2013/02/19522/kyle-trout-makes-three-commitments-for-ohio-state-in-2014">when he committed to Urban Meyer during his visit on February 10</a> and has already become a leader in the group for the Bucks.</p>
<div class="imageright">
<img alt="Trout was a big catch for Urban Meyer" src="http://www.elevenwarriors.com/sites/default/files/c/2013/02/Kyle-Trout-Locker.jpg" style="width: 225px; height: 293px; border-width: 0px; border-style: solid;" /><span class="caption">Kyle Trout has become a leader in the class</span></div>
<p>Standing at 6-6/290 and rated as the 247 Composite's 12th-best offensive tackle, Trout has taken the initiative early in helping to recruit other players in his class to Ohio State. That type of leadership ability, his off-field character, and his play on field made him a great catch for Meyer and the staff, who were extremely excited to have him in the fold.</p>
<p>For a while it looked like Trout may not receive an offer from Ohio State, but area recruiter Luke Fickell knew talent when he saw it. Ed Warinner was the coach that had some doubts, but after reviewing more film and seeing Trout up close and personal at a basketball game, the OSU offensive line coach was sold that he had found the most athletic talent at the position on his board.</p>
<p>An offer quickly went out to Trout in late January and while it took two weeks of deliberation, the local product decided to stay close to home, giving the Buckeyes their second offensive line commit in the class.</p>
<p>The best part about landing Trout isn't that he fills a large need at tackle, but rather that while he is already a very good player, his ceiling his extremely high and he can improve on a lot to make him elite at the next level.</p>
<p>Some scheme differences and getting stronger will be things to work on, but the kid has a tremendous work ethic and desire to be great, so I think the move to offer and secure his commitment will pay big dividends for Ohio State.</p>
<h3>
4. Kyle Berger, LB, Cleveland St. Ignatius</h3>
<p>Kyle Berger, very similarly to Parris Campbell, was not a well-known commodity at the start of his junior high school football season, but that quickly changed after a year in which he recorded 44 tackles with 12 sacks.</p>
<p>Berger was rewarded for his play, as well as his physical abilities, with his first scholarship offer from Ohio State back in November. More scholarships quickly followed and now the four-star prospect holds offers from the likes of Michigan, Tennessee, Penn State, Michigan State, West Virginia, Georgia Tech, and others.</p>
<p>Right now it looks like the Buckeyes are in the driver's seat for this recruitment, as the bar was set high after visits for <a href="http://www.elevenwarriors.com/2012/11/16856/catching-up-with-kyle-berger-the-game-visit">The Game</a> in the fall and then again for <a href="http://www.elevenwarriors.com/blogs/alex/catching-up-with-kyle-berger-junior-day-visit">the basketball team's contest against Michigan</a> in mid-January. Berger will certainly take visits to schools like Michigan (possibly this coming weekend), Tennessee, Michigan State, and Stanford, but he is expected to wrap up his recruitment some time this spring, possibly late April or early May.</p>
<p>Despite landing Mike Mitchell and Trey Johnson in 2013, the Bucks are going to make a strong play to add four more linebackers in the 2014 class, and Berger definitely sits near the top of OSU's big board.</p>
<h3>
3. Michael Ferns, LB, St. Clairsville</h3>
<p><a href="http://247sports.com/Player/Michael-Ferns-19294">Michael Ferns</a> was one of the earlier offers to come out of Ohio for the class of 2014, but his flirtation didn't last long, as he committed to Michigan back in August.</p>
<p>Ferns was turned off by the "big city" feel of Columbus and preferred the more laid-back environment he found in Ann Arbor. Urban Meyer and the staff continued to recruit him for some time after his pledge, but it appears that not only will the four-star linebacker be sticking to his commitment, but that he also will be a recruiting leader in his class, even being compared to Shane Morris in this past year's group.</p>
<p>Despite the fact that he'll be playing his college ball up north, there's no arguing Ferns' talent on the gridiron. At 6-3/235 he has great size for a current high school junior, but has the speed and athleticism, along with the instincts, to make big-time plays all over the field.</p>
<p>It looks like Ohio State will do a very good job overall of getting the in-state talent they want in 2014, but Ferns is one that slipped away and he is definitely among the top five players in Ohio.</p>
<h3>
2. Dante Booker Jr., LB, Akron St. Vincent-St. Mary</h3>
<p>Many thought that <a href="http://247sports.com/Player/Dante-Booker-19588">Dante Booker Jr.</a> would be the first player in 2014 to commit to Ohio State. While that didn't happen, it doesn't mean the Buckeyes still aren't in a good place to land the nation's third-ranked outside linebacker sometime in the near future.</p>
<div class="imageleft">
<img alt="When will Booker pull the trigger?" src="http://www.elevenwarriors.com/sites/default/files/c/2013/02/Dante-Booker.jpg" style="width: 200px; height: 233px; border-width: 0px; border-style: solid;" /><span class="caption">Dante Booker Jr. is high on the Buckeyes</span></div>
<p>Booker and his father have already come out this winter and said they have been close to pulling the trigger on a verbal, and then when Parris Campbell joined OSU's class, <a href="https://twitter.com/D_Book47/status/300696937840115712">Booker tweeted that he was thinking about joining his good friend and teammate</a>.</p>
<p>It seems like it's a matter of when, not if, when it comes to Booker taking his talents to Columbus, and when that happens the Bucks will be getting a very good player.</p>
<p>At 6-4/210, Booker is currently slated for outside linebacker, but he has a big frame to build on and it's not out of the question that he could one day move down to defensive end or play the hybrid linebacker/defensive end Viper position that Bobby Carpenter once manned and that Tyquan Lewis was recruited for this past year.</p>
<p>With the potential to lose Ryan Shazier after this year, the Buckeyes will need to stock up with talent that can blitz the quarterback from the second level and Booker fits that mold.</p>
<p>Holding offers from Louisville, Michigan, Nebraska, Notre Dame, Oklahoma, Penn State, Tennessee, and others, Booker definitely has some good options to choose from, but as mentioned above, we think it is very likely he ends up in scarlet and gray.</p>
<h3>
1. Marshon Lattimore, ATH, Cleveland Glenville</h3>
<p>Ohio produces top-notch talent year in and year out, but there are always a few players that are the cream of the crop at the national level. <a href="http://247sports.com/Player/Marshon-Lattimore-23253">Marshon Lattimore</a> is one of those talents and the 6-0/175 athlete is just a joy to watch when you turn on the film.</p>
<p>Even better than the film is seeing him live, which the 11W Staff got a chance to do at the <a href="http://www.elevenwarriors.com/2013/02/19864/catching-up-with-marshon-lattimore-botmw-combine">Best of the Midwest Combine</a> on Monday. Lattimore had an outstanding performance, running a 4.48 40-yard dash time, notching a 10-foot broad jump, and dominating 1-on-1 drills on both sides of the ball throughout the day.</p>
<p>The Glenville star says he prefers playing defense, where he shines at cornerback, but most of the attention he has received has been when he is at wide receiver. Lattimore gets to top speed very quickly and many feel that that ability is better suited on offense where he can put points on the scoreboard.</p>
<p>Ohio State has given him the option to play on either side of the ball, and that, along with the chance to play for the home state school, have made the Buckeyes the early favorite for his services. Lattimore won't be deciding anytime soon though, and Urban Meyer will have to fend off current offers from Alabama, Michigan, Tennessee, Penn State, USC, UCLA, West Virginia, and others to land the state's top prospect.</p>
<p><em><strong>Honorable Mention:</strong> WR Thaddeus Snodgrass, DB Darius West, OL Nathaniel Devers, DB Erick Smith, DE Joe Henderson, OL Nick Richardson, DE/LB Verondtae Wilkinson, RB Mikel Horton, TE Ethan Wolf, RB Ashton Jackson, DB Alonzo Saxton, DT Daniel Cage, LB Davonte James, QB DeShone Kizer</em></p>
Thursday, February 21, 2013 - 17:00Alex19890Forecasting 2014: Linebackershttp://www.elevenwarriors.com/2013/02/19775/forecasting-2014-ohio-state-linebacker-recruiting-prospects
<p>Linebacker was a troublesome position for the Ohio State coaching staff this past year, despite the team finishing with a perfect 12-0 mark.</p>
<div class="imagetopright">
<img alt="Fickell is working his recruiting magic" src="http://www.elevenwarriors.com/sites/default/files/c/2013/02/Luke%20Fickell.jpg" style="width: 250px; height: 246px; border-width: 0px; border-style: solid;" /><span class="caption">Luke Fickell has a deep crop to pick from in 2014</span></div>
<p>In the middle, Curtis Grant just wasn't ready for the spotlight and Storm Klein, following some preseason legal issues, just was a step too slow on the field. It took fullback Zach Boren coming over from offense to solidify play in the middle of the Buckeyes' defense, and while he did a great job on the fly, there were still some shortcomings.</p>
<p>On the outside, Ryan Shazier had a rocky start to the year, but came on strong in the back half of the season at the WILL linebacker spot. On the other side, at SAM, Etienne Sabino suffered an injury that caused him to miss a good part of the season, and during his time out the Bucks struggled at the spot in rotating DE Nathan Williams and true freshman Josh Perry.</p>
<p>After those events, it was easy to see why the OSU staff went hard after linebackers in the recruiting class of 2013, eventually landing Mike Mitchell and Trey Johnson, while also bringing in Tyquan Lewis, Chris Worley, and Darron Lee, who could all end up playing the position down the road.</p>
<p>While this year's group was a good haul, Urban Meyer will continue to look for elite linebackers in the class of 2014 and there certainly isn't any shortage of talent when it comes to that area across the country.</p>
<p>After a short hiatus from our "Forecasting 2014" segment to bring you Signing Day coverage, we are back in "target mode" and in this week's edition we take a look at the players left on the board that Ohio State is looking at to continue to bolster the linebacking corps.</p>
<!--break--><h3>
Tier 1</h3>
<p>Leading the way in Tier 1 for linebackers is longtime Buckeye favorite <a href="http://247sports.com/Player/Raekwon-McMillan-17772">Raekwon McMillan</a>. The Hinesville (GA) Liberty County star is rated as the nation's top inside linebacker according to the 247 Composite and has gotten OSU fans excited by naming the program his early leader.</p>
<div class="imageleft">
<img alt="McMillan's got Cbus on his mind" src="http://www.elevenwarriors.com/sites/default/files/c/2013/02/McMillan-FNL.jpg" style="width: 250px; height: 259px; border-width: 0px; border-style: solid;" /><span class="caption">McMillan has made multiple trips to Ohio State</span></div>
<p>Clemson and Alabama both certainly continue to make a strong presence for his services, but already having made multiple trips to Columbus and having two more planned for early April and then the summer (key one, with his parents), I think it is safe to say that Ohio State is in a good spot.</p>
<p>McMillan plans to enroll early and will announce a decision as late as December, but Buckeye fans have reason to feel good at this moment.</p>
<p>Right behind McMillan in the heart of Buckeye Nation is Plainfield's (IL) <a href="http://247sports.com/Player/Clifton-Garrett-15330">Clifton Garrett</a>. Garrett is another prospect that has visited Columbus multiple times and is expected back on campus this weekend, coinciding with the Core 6 Showcase in Cincinnati. The nation's second-ranked outside linebacker says he grew up a Buckeye fan, but that doesn't mean he's a done deal to Ohio State just yet.</p>
<p>Ole Miss, Notre Dame, Michigan State, and a few others are all up there for his services, but like with McMillan, I would say it's safe to say that the Bucks have the early lead for this super prospect at the moment.</p>
<p>Another Illinois prospect that has caught the eye of area recruiter Mike Vrabel is <a href="http://247sports.com/Player/Nyles-Morgan-15861">Nyles Morgan</a> of Crete-Monee High School. The 6-2/225 Morgan is rated as the nation's fourth-best inside linebacker after recording 118 tackles, 4 sacks, 2 interceptions, and 2 forced fumbles in his junior season.</p>
<p>Morgan earned his offer from the Buckeyes back on November 5 and has maintained he has high interest in the program. The key with him will be to look for the visits, as that will show how serious that interest is. Right now he has an impressive list of scholarships that includes Florida, Michigan, Ole Miss, Wisconsin, Oklahoma, Nebraska, Michigan State, Notre Dame, UCLA, and others.</p>
<p>One of the top prospects on the board we haven't mentioned yet is the only one in Tier 1 that calls Ohio home. That prospect would be Akron (OH) St. Vincent-St. Mary's <a href="http://247sports.com/Player/Dante-Booker-19588">Dante Booker Jr.</a>, who has said for a long time that Ohio State is the leader for his services.</p>
<p>Many, including myself, think it's a matter of when, not if, Booker commits to Urban Meyer and I wouldn't be surprised if that happened sometime this spring. Booker just saw his teammate Parris Campbell commit to OSU and while they are not a package deal, it has to help that his good buddy could likely be his future college teammate as well.</p>
<p>The last two prospects in Tier 1 are <a href="http://247sports.com/Player/Kain-Daub-19328">Kain Daub</a> and <a href="http://247sports.com/Player/Dwight-Williams-15563">Dwight Williams</a>. Both are considered "longer shots" to end up in Columbus, but they are excellent talents and will continue to be pursued by the staff.</p>
<h3>
Tier 2</h3>
<p>Tier 2 can be hit or miss depending on the position group, but make no mistake about it that linebacker is one of those that has a group of very talented players in it.</p>
<div class="imageright">
<img alt="I'll have some fries with my Berger" src="http://www.elevenwarriors.com/sites/default/files/c/2013/02/Kyle-Berger.jpg" style="width: 225px; height: 336px; border-width: 0px; border-style: solid;" /><span class="caption">Kyle Berger is fast rising prospect nationally</span></div>
<p>One player I had on the edge of the top two tiers is Cleveland (OH) St. Ignatius's <a href="http://247sports.com/Player/Kyle-Berger-26787">Kyle Berger</a>. Berger, who was a sleeper up until a couple of months ago, already has an Ohio State offer in hand and has stated the Bucks will be tough to beat for his services.</p>
<p>He's maintained that he wants to take visits to Michigan, Stanford, Tennessee, Notre Dame, and a few other schools, but a decision could come as early as April and right now Urban Meyer and OSU have to be considered the front runners for the four-star prospect.</p>
<p><a href="http://247sports.com/Player/Dillon-Bates-22535">Dillon Bates</a> of Ponte Vedra Beach (FL) is another four-star linebacker with an OSU offer in hand. Bates is the son of former NFL linebacker Bill Bates and was in Columbus back in November when the Bucks took on Illinois.</p>
<p>Right now he says the Buckeyes are high on his list along with Tennessee, Florida, Notre Dame, Oklahoma, and Texas A&amp;M, but with a more stable situation in Knoxville, where his father went to school, many think the Vols could be tough to beat.</p>
<p>One of the more recent players to earn an offer is <a href="http://247sports.com/Player/Petera-Wilson-18643">Petera Wilson</a> of Memphis (TN) White Station. Being that the 247 Composite four-star just got his offer last week, little is known on his interest in the Buckeyes thus far, but it looks like there is a large field competing for his services. Wilson also has offers from Alabama, Ole Miss, Florida, Georgia, Florida State, LSU, Michigan, Tennessee, USC, and other top flight programs.</p>
<p>Rounding out Tier 2 are Los Angeles (CA) Bishop Mora Salesian's <a href="http://247sports.com/Player/Jamardre-Cobb-20979">Jamardre Cobb</a> and Tampa (FL) Jesuit's <a href="http://247sports.com/Player/Vincent-Jackson-15729">Vincent Jackson</a>. Cobb seems to have heavy interest from West Coast schools, but has gotten some attention from the OSU staff. Jackson got a visit from the Ohio State coaches in early December, but word is Oklahoma could be the early favorite for his services.</p>
<h3>
Tier 3</h3>
<p>Tier 3 in the linebacker group consists of some solid Ohio talent that has not yet been offered, as well as some regional players that have shown interest in the Buckeyes, but are considered backup plans at this point.</p>
<div class="imageleft">
<img alt="James is a force for Springfield" src="http://www.elevenwarriors.com/sites/default/files/c/2013/02/Davonte-James.jpg" style="width: 210px; height: 317px; border-width: 0px; border-style: solid;" /><span class="caption">Ohio State is familiar with Davonte James</span></div>
<p>In Ohio, the players included are <a href="http://247sports.com/Player/Davonte-James-15083">Davonte James</a>, <a href="http://247sports.com/Player/Tinashe-Bere-21438">Tinashe Bere</a>, <a href="http://247sports.com/Player/Dorian-Hendrix-20819">Dorian Hendrix</a>, and <a href="http://247sports.com/Player/Airius-Moore-20648">Airius Moore</a>.</p>
<p>James currently hold an offer from Purdue and is rated as the 13th top inside linebacker in the nation according to the 247 Composite. Ohio State has been in touch and keeps contact, but it looks like they are just keeping the seat warm for now.</p>
<p>Bere, out of Sycamore in Cincinnati, is another prospect who has skills, but those skills may just be a level below what Urban Meyer is looking for. Bere has been to OSU multiple times and if an offer ever came I think he will jump on it, but in the end I see him landing at another Big Ten program when the time comes to make a decision.</p>
<p>Hendrix hails from Huber Heights Wayne and has a few BCS offers, including his most recent, from Kentucky. Wayne has been kind to Ohio State in the past, most recently with Braxton Miller, but it looks like the Bucks will wait for the next great prospect to come out of the program. </p>
<p>Moore is a prospect to keep an eye on, as he has the athleticism to keep the interest of the staff. The Beavercreek star has offers from Cincinnati, Illinois, and Indiana already, but thinks some bigger programs could enter the picture after combines and camps this spring and summer. I agree with him and think he is a name to keep in your back pocket.</p>
<p>Finally, out of state prospects that are on the radar, but haven't gotten a bite yet are Detroit (MI) Cass Tech's <a href="http://247sports.com/Player/William-White-7826">William White</a> and<a href="http://247sports.com/Player/Gary-Hosey-14173"> Gary Hosey</a>, and Indianapolis (IN) Lawrence Central's <a href="http://247sports.com/Player/Brandon-Lee-18131">Brandon Lee</a>. All three are solid players and compete for programs that OSU is familiar with, but at the end of the day I'm not sure if any have the ability to leap the aforementioned players on the big board. Lee appears to have the best chance of the group and could definitely make a move this summer.</p>
Monday, February 18, 2013 - 14:00Alex19775COMMITTED: Catching Up with Kyle Trouthttp://www.elevenwarriors.com/2013/02/19637/committed-catching-up-with-kyle-trout
<p>The recruiting class of 2013 may go down as the best in Ohio State history, but the offensive line was the one area the Buckeyes probably could have improved upon if you want to nitpick the group.</p>
<div class="imageright">
<img alt="Trout has been reeled in" src="http://www.elevenwarriors.com/sites/default/files/c/2013/02/Kyle-Trout-OSU.jpg" style="width: 275px; height: 368px; border-width: 0px; border-style: solid;" /><span class="caption">Kyle Trout became the third commit for OSU in 2014</span></div>
<p>OT Evan Lisle and OG Tim Gardner are outstanding prospects, but with four of five starters on the line set to depart after the upcoming season, more prospects at the position were needed and the staff struck out on a number of talented players.</p>
<p>With those circumstances in mind, it didn't take long for Urban Meyer to go after offensive linemen in his recruiting class of 2014. Cleveland Glenville OG Marcelys Jones jumped on board to be number one and just this past weekend, Lancaster OT Kyle Trout <a href="http://www.elevenwarriors.com/2013/02/19522/kyle-trout-makes-three-commitments-for-ohio-state-in-2014">became a future pupil of Ed Warinner's</a> as well.</p>
<p>At 6-6/290, Trout has excellent size that measures up with his ranking as the 12th-best offensive tackle in the country, according to the 247 Composite. It is his athleticism and how well he moves on his feet, though, that has the coaches excited that they may have landed their left tackle of the future this past weekend.</p>
<p>We caught up with Kyle to hear his feelings on his commitment to Ohio State, why he decided to pull the trigger now, what he hopes to accomplish when he gets to Columbus, and more.</p>
<p>Join us after the jump to hear about the third member of the class of 2014 to verbally commit to Ohio State, Kyle Trout.</p>
<!--break-->
<p><strong>You committed to Ohio State this past weekend. How does it feel to be a Buckeye?</strong></p>
<p>Once I committed I felt like nothing had changed. I am still just a kid from Lancaster, Ohio, who plays football and have been blessed to make it to the next level. I know I still have a lot of work to do, because while I may stand out at my high school, I'm entering a new pool of players, all like myself, who were recruited by great college football programs and will all be fighting to be the best at that level. I'm just going to keep working hard and training to make sure I'm ready for Ohio State.</p>
<p><strong>You were offered on January 26. Why did you decide now was the time to commit to OSU?</strong></p>
<p>When I first got my offer I was so relieved and it was a really big thing to happen to me. That Sunday night I almost called the coaches to commit, but got scared when I picked up the phone and decided to take some time to weigh the pros and cons of making that decision. Last Wednesday I almost picked up the phone and committed again, but decided that I wanted to be a man about it and let them know in person.</p>
<p>While weighing the pros and cons over the last two weeks I just realized there was no reason not to commit. It was close to home, I had a former teammate there already (Luke Roberts), they have Athletes in Action on campus, they went 12-0 last year and I know they're going to keep winning. It's something I always dreamed about, it's a great education, and they have Coach Warinner who just won an award as the best offensive line coach in the country, so there's nobody better to help me succeed at the next level.</p>
<p>I thought, 'why not?' and after praying on it I knew Ohio State was where I needed to be.</p>
<p><strong>How did the coaches react when you committed?</strong></p>
<p>Coach Meyer was pumped and gave me a high five, but was so excited that he brought me in for a hug. Coach Warinner was really excited as well and afterwards I told them both I wanted to help them get the best recruiting class in the country for 2014. When I said that they were really happy and pulled me back into their office to talk even more.</p>
<p><strong>You say you want to help the Buckeyes get the best 2014 recruiting class. Have you spoke to the other commits yet or any other prospects?</strong></p>
<p>I followed all of the other 2014 commits on Twitter and we exchanged numbers and have been talking. I'm going to talk to whatever other players I can to try and help bring them to Ohio State.</p>
<p><strong>What did the coaches say to you about getting prepared to come to Ohio State?</strong></p>
<p>Physically they don't want me to gain any more weight, but they want me to get stronger. They want me to be able to bench press 225 pounds 15 or more times before I get to campus and gave me other drills and exercises to build up my strength.</p>
<p>They also gave my coach a list of academic, leadership, and football goals for me to work towards over the next year.</p>
<p><strong>I know enrolling early is a possibility. Is that something you're planning on doing?</strong></p>
<p>Luke Roberts was able to enroll early last year, but that was when they were on quarters. I'm currently working on trying to make sure that I have everything approved to be able to graduate early from Lancaster and enroll early for second semester at Ohio State next year.</p>
<p><strong>What will it be like playing with Luke again?</strong></p>
<p>It's going to be awesome. He's a great kid and a hard worker. He's going to push me and I'm going to push him to get better as well. Our families are friends and so are we so it's really great. Knowing an upperclassman like that to give me advice and let me know what to expect will definitely give me a competitive edge.</p>
<p><strong>What are your goals for your senior season? What are your goals for Ohio State?</strong></p>
<p>For my senior season I just want to grab my team and try to produce some results. We were 5-5 and 3-7 the last two seasons and while we have had good leaders, we haven't had both vocal leaders and those who lead by example. I feel I can do both and so can others on our team so I am going to try and lead us to make the playoffs and win the OCC. It's more of a long shot, but I've always wanted to win a state title as well.</p>
<p>For Ohio State, I want to achieve my goal of making the NFL one day and also play on a successful college team. I am fed up with losing after dealing with it so much in junior high school and now in high school, so winning is a big thing for me.</p>
<p><strong>HIGHLIGHTS:</strong></p>
<div class="media_embed" height="326px" width="580px">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="326px" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/Qdpd42mwqnU" width="580px"></iframe></div>
Tuesday, February 12, 2013 - 09:00Alex19637